Been there and done that in Civitavecchia ………… think again!
With cruising becoming a yearly event now rather than that one off special holiday I have found myself finding perfect cruises for my customers at superb prices only to be told ‘Oh No, its stopping at Rome, I have been there loads of times!’.
Once you have visited the Colosseum, danced down the Spanish Steps, thrown that coin into the Trevi Fountain and visited the majestic Vatican is there anything else to see in Rome that hasn’t been seen?
Cruises are all about sailing into uncharted waters, going on that voyage of discovery, visiting places you would not normally get the opportunity to see. I feel we are all focusing on the big, and sometimes brash, main cities of Europe. We have lost that bit of the Christopher Columbus spirit. What do we really know about the ports our ships pull into? Could they offer us that unique experience that we are all searching for?
Rome is a prime example of this. Almost every cruise ship in Europe docks in Civitavecchia for Rome. At almost 80 mins one way by coach it is not the closest port in the world to the Eternal City. Once you have done this trip once or twice you really question yourself as to if you could be bothered this time. Well question no more – don’t do it!! If you have visited Rome and saw all you wanted to see then relax and visit some where relaxing with a beach, fantastic shopping, relaxing bars with cabanas to sit have a cocktail and watch the world go by. For those history buffs there are a few museums to keep you occupied. Where is this place I hear you shout – its Civitavecchia, yes the port!!!
With a fantastic new promenade and marina to one of Italy’s biggest outdoor markets, Civitavecchia really is the forgotten gem of this part of Italy.
Also since 2012 Civitavecchia really are ahead of the times. They installed a WIFI zone in the town around the bars, restaurants and promenade area so that if any cruisers were trying to find their land legs and stumbled into their little place, then they would be able to connect to their friends and family back home for free.
So next time you are considering a cruise and are having that oh no not Rome again moment, think oh yes I might just pop down to the beach for a bit of relaxing sun bathing whilst the rest of the passengers are preparing for that 80 min coach ride a 7 in the morning – just as you are pressing the snooze button!!!
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About Me
My name is Danielle. I am an early thirty something (VERY, VERY EARLY) and I have a passion for not only cruise but holidays in general. If I am not currently on one then I am either planning one or sitting in my garden with a strawberry daiquiri dreaming about…
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Excellent advice. Another tip is to take the local bus for a 20-minute journey to the little town of Tarquinia. The bus costs around €2 (but only if you buy your bus tickets in advance from the local newsagent or tobacconist). Google for bus times. Lots to see there. We have also rented cars from Europcar and Avis, and explored the lovely countryside, with many medieval towns and villages.